Review: Kyo No Oto Yamabukiiro

This is not a weak color. Don’t be deceived by its minimalist bottle – this is a color that holds more surprises than you can imagine, almost like a chameleon.

Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, the color adds another nuance, and you’d think twice.

In my swatch, the color presented a mustard yellow color immediately, but morphs into an olive tint rather quickly. On saturation, a cosy feeling of autumn leaves sweeps you off your feet, and there, you’re sold on the color.

This ink is named after the Yamabuki flower, found in abundance on wild mountainsides. Literally translated, “Mountain Breath”, hints at the magic that Nature breathes into wildlife, it may look like autumn leaves one moment, but soon blooms boldly in Spring.

Easy to read on paper, the ink glides on as easily as it dries. Definitely expressive in shading, the color is rather pronounced and enough to be taken seriously even for a work note. Definitely my go-to when i want a change of scenery from the usual blues and blacks.

All in all, Yamabukiiro is a head-turner of an ink, because you just can’t keep your eyes off its quiet confidence. It doesn’t need everyone to love it, but those who do will never look back.

Foods the color reminds me of:

Dijon mustard, olives in your martinis, honey, toffee

Things to try on your own: Works better on thicker nibs (M onwards). Ink this into a pen that had housed a brown or green (eg. 3-Oysters Ink, Marine Green) for more surprises.

Compared this with: Diamine Golden Sands – shimmer aside, the Yamabukiiro is more olive and mustard-based, whilst the Golden Sands has a more golden-yellow hue.